**** CKPT FOR FRI 9 NOV 2007
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1700 to 1707 NEWS
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After more than three weeks behind bars, Tame Iti and five others arrested in police raids on October 15 are now out on bail. Their release follows yesterday's decison by the Solicitor General not to proceed with charges under the Terrorism Suppression Act. 16 people are still charged with firearms offences and four of them remain in custody. Tame Iti has just walked out of the High Court in Auckland Our reporter Cherie McQuilkin is there... LIVE Q&A
Joining us now is Moana Jackson, a spokesperson for the lawyers representing those charged in the police raids LIVE IV
The Prime Minister is continuing to back the police, following their failure to bring charges under the Terrorism Suppression Act against 12 people arrested in nationwide raids. Meanwhile New Zealand First has laid down a challenge to the accused. Jean Edwards reports. PACKAGE
The president of the Real Estate Institute says a guilty finding against a Christchurch agency is probably the worst case he's ever seen. But the Institute won't release details of the investigation or findings against the agency - or even specific details about what the charges were. Christchurch-based Platinum Realty was found guilty by the institute of 12 charges relating to a property deal in which investors lost tens of thousand of dollars. Charlotte Graham reports. PACKAGE
A storm in the North Sea has left Britain and the Netherlands, facing the worst flood threat in decades with huge tidal surges predicted in the next few hours. The British government has warned that flood defences could be breached in east England, where thousands of people are being evacuated. Andy Batchelor from Britain's Environment Agency has been monitoring the storm. LIVE
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BUSINESS NEWS
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17.30 HEADLINES
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There are calls to reassess the use of a chemical timber treatment, after reports that builders are coughing up blood after breathing it in. The National Party says the problem arises when builders breathe in toxic chemicals from timber that is not properly aerated. Carla Gray reports. PACKAGE
The Wellington inner city bypass project won an environmental award from the Wellington Regional Council. It's won the first annual Nikau Compliance award, which recognises those who go above and beyond in meeting the requirements of resource consents. The bypass managers are Opus International, Fulton Hogan, Transit, and the Wellington City Council but some people don't think they deserve the accolade. Amanda Strong reports. PACKAGE
There are reports from Pakistan that the former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, is being placed under house arrest, hours before she is due to lead a rally against a state of emergency. We're joined now by our correspondent in Islamabad, Graham Usher. LIVE IV
The Georgian President, Mikhail Saakashvili, (SAR-cash-vih-li) has called early elections, in an effort to defuse tension following a week of protests. He declared a state of emergency yesterday after a day of clashes between police and demonstrators. Mr Saakashvili said he was bringing the poll forward because he wanted a vote of confidence in his presidency. From the capital, Tbilisi, Matthew Collin sent this report: PACKAGE
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WAATEA NEWS
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Doctors should not be getting involved in alternative medicine and those who do are dancing in the theatre of the absurd. That's the parting shot from the outgoing president of the Society of Anaesthetists. Graham Sharpe is rubbishing what he describes as "so-called alternative medicine", and says its practitioners are misguided or deluded. And he says the claims made about homeopathy are extravagant and fanciful. PRE-REC
It looks likely mothers in jail will be able to keep their babies with them until they're two years old. The idea, set down in a Bill sponsored by the Green MP, Sue Bradford, appears to have broad political support. And a select committee has now recommended it be passed through Parliament, with some changes. Here's our political reporter, Kate Williamson. PACKAGE
The Netball World Championships get underway in Auckland this weekend. Sixteen nations are competing with defending champions, the Silver Ferns, taking on Malawi in the first match. That will follow tomorrow's opening ceremony at the Waitakere Trusts Stadium. New Zealand was chosen to stage the event after the hosting rights were withdrawn from Fiji, following last December's military coup. I've been speaking to the general manager of the World Championships, Jane Paterson. PRE-REC
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